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Outfit Your Netbook With Open Source: 21 Tools

"2) Operating System: Ubuntu
Unless you're buying your laptop second-hand, it's going to come
with the OS pre-installed. If you haven't yet made your purchase,
you may want to consider one of the many models that uses Ubuntu
Linux. It uses dramatically fewer resources than Windows (the other
most common operating system option on low-cost laptops) and it's
generally considered more secure. In addition, Ubuntu includes many
of the most popular open-source applications, such as
OpenOffice.org, Firefox, and others.

"2) Browser: Firefox
Even if you purchase a Windows-based laptop with Internet Explorer
pre-installed, you should consider switching to Firefox. It's more
secure (which helps if you're using a laptop that lacks security
features), and it's fast and easy to use.7) Password Protection:
KeePass Password Safe

"It really is dangerous to use the same password for all of your
accounts, and it's even more dangerous to store all of your
passwords unencrypted on your laptop. KeePass lets you store all of
your passwords in an encrypted database that you can unlock with a
single master password."